UGC writes to University VC’s urging to keep students and teachers in good health under current circumstances: The University Grants Commission in an effort to make sure that the students and teachers are safe have asked the Vice-Chancellors of all the Universities and the principles of the affiliated colleges to continue the efforts to reinforce support to the students, staff members, teachers, and other stakeholders keeping them in good health, safety and well informed with respect to the current situation.
The UGC in its notification issued stated that with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the lives and work of individual institutions all the stakeholders of the Higher Educational Institutions are required to work collectively addressing the challenges faced including physical and mental health, safety, and the overall well being.
The University Grants Commission in its earlier issued guidelines and advisories for institutions asked for appropriate COVID-19 behaviour and managing activities by following the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the government. The UGC has further asked the institutions to take appropriate measures.
Measures taken by the UGC
Helplines and task forces have been formed by the UGC for handling the COVID-19 situation along with promoting appropriate COVID-19 behavior which includes sanitization, wearing masks, washing hands regularly with soap, maintaining social distancing, regular testing, contact tracing, and providing appropriate treatment.
Counselors and Mentors have been appointed for mental health support, psychological help, and well-being of all the stakeholders. The UGC also encourages everyone to engage in activities for physical and mental well-being when at home.
Stakeholders have also been encouraged to vaccinate themselves in order to protect themselves from infection.
A team of well-informed trained volunteers in life skills including NCC and NSS has also been formed to support students and other members.
Suitable welfare measures have also been taken for students, teachers, staff members, officers, and other stakeholders. The UGC has also made sure that the activities and initiatives reach those in need.